On Monday's episode, we spoke with Jenifer Johnson, Senior Associate with Thornton Tomasetti, about proving your value as a business developer. Today, we're back to learn more about Jen and her career, including her opinion of the glass ceiling in AEC.

The business development role carries with it a lot of mystery. Why are they never in the office? What do they do besides go to events? This mysterious qualifying skill set, along with days spent away from the office, often leave business developers in a constant struggle to prove their value.

On this week's episode, we talk with Jenifer Johnson, Senior Associate with Thornton Tomasetti, about her approach to communicating, proving, and increasing the value of her role as a business development leader within her firm.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Brian Reilly, CPSM, Senior Technologist at Liftoff, about the startup mentality. Today he's back to share his story, including his dabble in the AEC industry and what he has learned from taking risks.

The mentality, structure and everyday practices that accompany a startup are refreshing. It's an environment that is based on risk and passion. And it gives every employee the sense of ownership that drives them to do their best work.

Today we're chatting with Brian Reilly, CPSM and Senior Technologist at Liftoff. Brian left his comfy corporate marketing job nearly five years ago to join his best friend in a startup venture - something that has turned into a rewarding career change and growth opportunity for them both.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Melissa Rysak, CPSM, Marketing and Business Development Director for Daroff Design, about her recent transition into the BD role and what it's taught her. Today we're chatting with Melissa about the biggest influences on her career, what her biggest failure has taught her about getting things done, and how she continues to challenge herself daily.

As a marketer in the AEC industry, there are historically two dominant career paths to choose from: marketing or business development. And when it comes to the later, we’re often led to believe you either have it, or you don’t. The good news is, a talent for business development doesn’t have to be something you’re born with. It can be a skill learned over time just like any other.

On this week’s episode, we talk with Melissa Rysak, CPSM, Business Development and Marketing Director with Daroff Design, about her recent transition from marketing to business development, what she’s learned, and how her perspective on the role has changed.